Golden Gate Park Events – September 2018

Bellowing operatic voices, band music, boating, brews and belly-busting comedy are scheduled to unfold during Golden Gate Park events in September 2018. With plenty of kid-friendly and adult-accommodating activities and gatherings taking place this month, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy. Especially keep an eye out for September 16 – your head might spin with all of the possibilities. What will you decide to do that day? Hurry, get out your calendars, it’s time to plan your next visit to Golden Gate Park:

US Open Finals Watch Party – GGP Tennis Complex – September 8

Calling all tennis enthusiasts! If you love to watch the expert aces of racket warriors that dominate the courts of New York’s U.S. Open, then you might want to head to Golden Gate Park, where the Tennis Complex is offering on-court activities (like cardio tennis), kiddie games, pickleball, food trucks, beer, wine, and a watch party for the U.S. Open Women’s Final.

This event will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is completely free to enjoy. The Tennis Complex is located at Nancy Pelosi Dr. & Bowling Green Dr.

The San Francisco’s annual free concert is right around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to bring a picnic lunch with the family to enjoy the voices of some of the best opera singers in the business. Accompanied by the San Francisco Opera Orchestra, the singers are sure to entertain. The performance begins at 1:30 p.m. You will find the location of this event on the east side of the park at 320 Bowling Green Dr., just west of Haight and Stanyan.

Volunteer Information Session – SF Botanical Garden – September 12

Every year, the Garden greatly benefits from the more than 40,000 hours of service that volunteers contribute, which helps make sure children’s walks, public tours, plant propagation, and horticulture activities run smoothly. During this one-hour walking tour of the Garden, you’ll learn about all the ways that you can assist the Garden. Space is limited for this opportunity. To register for this event, shoot an email to [email protected] for more information. Rain or shine, participants will meet in front of the County Fair Building (at 9th Avenue & Lincoln Way). The walk takes place from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Co-presented by Noise Pop, the festivities of the evening will center on the Academy’s music series, which offers performances by LA-based Classixx + local electro-pop SUMif in the West Garden. SUMif will play from 7:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., followed by the uptempo tunes and creative remixes of Classixx, from 8:45 p.m. to 9:50 p.m. Other highlights for the night include a glowing, interactive LED forest installation in the West Garden; Virtual Reality fun in African Hall; a DJ set by Sweater Funk; and screen-printing shirts at the Swamp & Project Lab.

Doors open at 6 p.m. with the night ending at 10 p.m. You will be required to show valid I.D. before gaining entry – this is a 21+ event. Unlike other Thursday NightLife events at the Academy, this week is a premier-priced event with tickets costing $18 for members and $22 for non-members.

Painting in the Garden – SF Botanical Garden – September 15 & 16

Artist Sally Petru is hosting an exploration of watercolors at the Garden, and you are invited to enjoy a day filled with life-like botanical art as you work with fresh flowers. Some of the things that Petru will touch upon include how to draw and compose a piece, as well as gain a better understanding about the interaction between pigment, water and paper. You don’t have to be an art expert in order to participate. Sign up for one day, or spring for both days. Ticket prices are $80 for members and $95 for non-members. The workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (so don’t forget to bring a lunch). Click here to get your tickets for this event.

Black Tie Beach Party – Ocean Beach Parking Lot – September 16

It’s a black tie affair, and you don’t want to miss this free opportunity to put on your most dapper attire on for an event centered on encouraging you to ‘Bring on the Color.’ That means…it’s time to dig in that closet to find your most colorful tie, dress, suit, or even socks. There will be plenty of sandcastle building, Frisbee, kites flying, and potluck food sharing – so don’t forget to bring something good to eat or drink (if you can). You’ll find all of the festivities happening in front of the parking lot along Great Highway (between Lincoln Avenue and Fulton). This event runs from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

A marathon of comedy sets up shop at Golden Gate Park every year, which brings together an assortment of funny men and women that assemble on one stage for a stretch of five hours. It costs absolutely nothing to enjoy this event, which often brings a special guest or two out of the woodwork. Over 40 comedians come to join in on the fun, from noon to 5 p.m. This year, look forward to the likes of Paco Romane, Fred Reiss, Marga Gomez, Ric Overton, Nina G, and Will Durst to take the stage. The fittingly named Robin Williams Meadow is found at 320 Bowling Green Dr.

Model Boats on Parade – Spreckles Lake – September 16

Thanks to the San Francisco Model Yacht Club, you’ll have a chance to gaze upon the creativity, color and craftsmanship of dozens of local wooden boats. From radio-controlled beauties to spectacular vintage models, this bi-annual event will begin at 9:30 a.m., and is free to enjoy.

And, just in case you didn’t know, the lake is located at 36th Ave and Spreckles Lake Dr.

In celebration of Robert Emmett Day, join the GGP Band to hear Irish song, see Irish dance, and much more come alive at Golden Gate Park. GGP Band concerts do not cost a thing for you to enjoy. The performances start at 1 p.m. and typically end around 2:30 to 2:45 p.m. at the Spreckles Temple of Music. This is the perfect time to bring the family to the park, enjoy a picnic lunch, and take in the sights of the San Francisco.

Additional band concerts scheduled for the month of September include:

September 23 – it’s all about Spanish music and dance

September 30 – another entertaining music performance (theme to be announced)

Human health and wellness is a popular topic of discussion nowadays, and this week, you’ll be able to explore the ins and outs of the body and brain at the Academy. As part of an ongoing series here, there will be yoga sessions and informational health stops all about the museum. The Philippine Coral Reef will host a “silent disco yoga” with Outdoor Yoga SF. Let Yoga Tree and YogaWorks provide you with insight. Perhaps you’d rather let WITHIN Meditation help clear your mind. Thursday NightLife events kick off at 6 p.m., and party on until 10 p.m. Members are charged an entry fee of $12, while non-members pay $15. In order to step foot inside the festivities, you must be 21 or over in age. Proper identification is asked at the door.

Botanicals and Brews Beer Garden – Conservatory of Flowers – Sept 21

The Conservatory is opening its doors once again to share the creations from three local brewing companies, and this month, it is Barebottle Brewing Co., Humbildt Cider Company, and Cooperage Brewing Company’s time to shine. To get a taste of what to expect, Cooperage is known for its Belgian-style ales; Barebottle has a rep for adding an innovative touch to their beers; and Humboldt boasts high-quality hard ciders.

This Beer Garden event takes place on the third Friday of every month at the Conservatory’s Victorian greenhouse, and lasts from 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. with different ticket prices available. General admission costs $27 and provides access from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. You also get a complimentary craft brew of choice. The Master Brewer package costs $55 and comes with an exclusive tasting flight, guided tasting with expert beer makers, $10 credit for food truck fare, and a souvenir beer flight glass.

Enjoy the Garden’s fresh air and beautiful surroundings with a yoga session in the great outdoors, led by accredited instructor Sarah Allison. This 60-minute class takes place from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., and lets you incorporate nature with your downward facing dog and planks. The class will take you to different parts of the Garden. All levels are welcome. Members pay $18, while non-members pay $20. The specific meeting location is revealed in a confirmation email. Be prepared to bring your own yoga mat or beach towel. Get your ticket by clicking here.

Peace in the Park – Music Concourse/Bandshell – September 23

When looking for a family-friendly event to enjoy at the park in September, Peace in the Park ranks high on local lists. The hungry and thirsty will find alcohol-free and vegetarian refreshments on hand. Accommodating all ages and backgrounds, there will be plenty of opportunities for visitors to express his or her creativity, become educated, mingle and relax at the event. Highlights to look forward to include expressive dance, workshop tents, interactive drumming, meditation, tai chi, yoga, and a Children’s Zone complete with singing bowls, musical storytelling, magicians and kiddie comedy.

This event is free, and runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Full Moon Walk: Harvest Moon – SF Botanical Garden – September 24

There’s nothing like seeing the Garden in all its glory by the light of a full moon. Special evening tours led by docents allow visitors to enjoy their surroundings differently. This time around, in celebration of the Harvest Moon, participants will encounter haiku readings under the full moon. Bringing along a flashlight will help illuminate your path when needed. Keep in mind that the walk marches on in foggy or clear weather, but heavy rain will cancel it. Scheduled to take place between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., the cost to participate is $28 for members and $30 for non-members. You can secure your space by buying a ticket here.

NightLife Spotlight – California Academy of Sciences – September 27

Ten years ago, the Academy welcomed the title of being the greenest museum in the world, and to mark this achievement – it’s time to party! The Terrace Restaurant & Bar will whip up a drink that includes beverages from Santa Rosa’s Seismic Brewing Company. The Unlocked Art Lab gives you the chance to sketch or paint a handful of intriguing specimens from the scientific collection. Old school tunes by Starfari’s DJ set are sure to entertain.

Thursday NightLife fun runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. It costs an Academy member $12 to gain entry, while non-members are charged $15. You must be 21 years or older to attend the party. Prepare to show valid I.D. at the door.

Friday Nights at the De Young Kick Off Party– de Young Museum – September 28

Have you missed them? The Friday night fun that blended culture, art, dance, music, and live performances at one of Golden Gate Park’s museums has returned! After a few tweaks, the revamped program is back and ready to entertain (as well as educate). This month, the after-hours festivities will center on fashion and incorporate the exhibition Contemporary Muslim Fashions, which is on view at the museum from September 22 to January 6th of 2019.

Bhangra music and dance will take over Wilsey Court (starting at 6 p.m.), and will include a production ‘Colors of India.’ There’s also a Bhangra dance lesson in it for you that comes courtesy of Dholrhythms Dance Company. A spoken word performance given by rapper, poet and activist Mona Haydar starts at 7 p.m., and is followed by a Q&A session. The family-friendly event is scheduled to run from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Some of the best professional disc golfers in the world are expected to attend this competition, which involves a mix of 150 pro and amateur players. Around $10,000 in prize money is on the line. Expect long throws, trick shots and precision putts to take flight during the tournament. If you’re up at 7:30 a.m., head for the Golden Gate Park Disc Golf Course to watch, which is free to do. This could be an amusing, surprise outing for the kiddies. You’ll find Marx Meadow located at John F. Kennedy Drive and 25th Ave (between 25th and 30th avenues).

Park Updates

Your Email address:

Leave this field empty if you're human:

Golden Gate Park Is..

the third most visited park in the United States. While the park is free to visit during the day, popular attractions charge admission, such as deYoung Museum, California Academy of Sciences and Conservatory of Flowers. The park is filled with gardens, museums, art, flowers, trees, lakes, birds and wildlife. There are also plenty of opportunities to participate in sports, clubs and other activities. Browse the site for information on parking, maps, weddings, hotels, permits, making reservations, transportation, contact numbers, and the history of Golden Gate Park.